On the morning of January 2, Legislative Yuan Deputy Secretary General Dr. Chang Yu-Jung (張裕榮) attended the inauguration ceremony of the Republic of China–West Asia Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Association, initiated by KMT Legislator Dr. Lin Chien-Chi. Distinguished guests in attendance included DPP Legislators Wang Mei-Hui and Dr. Chuang Jui-Hsiung; KMT Legislators Adm. Chen Yeong-Kang, Lo Ming-Tsai, and Dr. Weng Hsiao-Ling; as well as Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ger Bau-Shuan, among other distinguished guests.
The event opened with a group photo of the attending guests, followed by opening remarks delivered by initiator Legislator Lin. Deputy Secretary General Chang then addressed the audience, stating that he was honored to attend the inauguration on behalf of Legislative Yuan President Daniel K.Y. Han (韓國瑜). He expressed his sincere appreciation to Legislator Lin and fellow legislators for their continued support and dedication to strengthening exchanges between the Legislative Yuan and the parliaments of West Asian nations, adding that through joint efforts, the association would mark a significant milestone in advancing parliamentary cooperation between Taiwan and the West Asia region.
Deputy Secretary General Chang noted that West Asia occupies a strategic position at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa, serving as a vital hub for major global shipping routes and transcontinental land bridges. He emphasized that the region is not only home to ancient and vibrant civilizations, but also plays a central role in the global energy supply system. He also added that amid the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and the digital information industry, nations worldwide are placing increasing emphasis on energy demand and energy resilience, further underscoring the importance of West Asia. He highlighted that, as an island economy, Taiwan relies on imports for more than 97 percent of its energy needs; crude oil and liquefied natural gas produced in West Asia not only support Taiwan’s household electricity consumption but also provide an indispensable energy foundation for its high-tech industries, making the region a key partner in strengthening Taiwan’s energy resilience and economic development.
Deputy Secretary General Chang further emphasized that in recent years, cooperation between Taiwan and West Asian countries has evolved beyond traditional resource exchanges into diversified partnerships encompassing humanitarian assistance, technological collaboration, and security resilience. He added that following the devastating earthquake in Turkey in 2023, which resulted in significant casualties and infrastructure damage, Taiwan promptly dispatched search-and-rescue teams to the affected areas and provided humanitarian aid, standing shoulder to shoulder with the Turkish people during a difficult time. Deputy Secretary General Chang also remarked that in terms of substantive cooperation, Taiwan and Turkey have achieved tangible progress in drone components and disaster-response capabilities; in energy transition, Taiwanese enterprises have actively participated in renewable energy projects in Saudi Arabia; in technological innovation, Taiwan and Israel continue to strengthen cooperation in AI—particularly in the field of cybersecurity—thereby enhancing the global competitiveness of both sides’ industries. He stressed that these collaborative efforts not only address current development needs but also lay a solid foundation for the continued deepening of relations between Taiwan and West Asian countries. Looking ahead, he said, Taiwan hopes to build upon existing cooperation by combining West Asia’s abundant natural resource advantages with Taiwan’s strengths in advanced manufacturing, technological research and development, and innovative applications to jointly promote industrial growth, enhance economic resilience, and foster diversified partnerships.
In closing, Deputy Secretary General Chang once again thanked Legislator Lin for initiating the establishment of the Republic of China–West Asia Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Association, expressing confidence that it would serve as an important platform for advancing Taiwan’s parliamentary diplomacy with West Asian nations and deepening partnership ties. He also affirmed that the Legislative Yuan would provide full administrative support whenever necessary following the association’s establishment.
The inauguration ceremony then proceeded with congratulatory remarks delivered by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ger Bau-Shuan. Legislator Lin subsequently led the adoption of the association’s charter and the election of its president and vice presidents. The event concluded successfully in a cordial atmosphere after approximately 20 minutes. (2026/01/02)
